Zarin Tasnim

Zarin is either writing or crying. Send her recommendations to w.zarin.tasnim@gmail.com.

Revisiting ‘Close-Up’: Abbas Kiarostami's magnum opus

"Close-Up," crafted by the cinematic virtuoso Abbas Kiarostami, isn't just a film; it's a deeply human odyssey that resonates with the core of our existence. What elevates it to the echelons of the greatest films ever made as regarded by many, is its profound exploration of a journey that intertwines reality, identity, and the universal yearning for connection.

7m ago

Revisiting ‘Breakfast at Tiffany's’ timeless elegance

Director Blake Edwards brought Truman Capote's iconic novella, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to life on the silver screen in 1961. The film, starring Audrey Hepburn as the unforgettable Holly Golightly, has since become a cinematic classic, etching itself into the annals of film history as a symbol of timeless elegance and cultural impact.

7m ago

‘Annie Hall’: A timeless exploration of the heart, wrapped in wit and wisdom

Reflecting on "Annie Hall" is like revisiting an old friend—familiar yet complex, nostalgic yet blurred by the passage of time. Woody Allen's masterpiece has turned 47 today, and it has always been more than just a rom-com; it's a lens into the intricate dance of love and life, with all its quirks and imperfections.

8m ago

Humanising chaos: The unconventional beauty of Greek Weird Wave cinema

Have you ever felt like you've swerved onto the wrong lane, entering an entirely different and unknown region? This sensation of disorientation and surrealism mirrors the sentiments that birthed the Greek Weird Wave—a captivating cinematic movement that emerged in response to Greece's tumultuous economic crisis of 2010.

8m ago

Netflix’s 'Crashing Eid' unfolds like a festive fireworks

As families across the globe prepare for Eid festivities, there's a new dish on the entertainment menu that's stirring up quite the comedic storm—"Crashing Eid" on Netflix. This Saudi original series is serving up laughter while challenging societal norms with a side of wit.

8m ago

Ramy Youssef, the mayor of muslim disaster, is tired of apologising

Ramy Youssef, the Egyptian-American comedian, isn't just crafting jokes; he's crafting conversations. Not only is he a funny man, but he is also a voice for a generation navigating complex socio-political landscapes. With his latest HBO special, "More Feelings," Youssef digs deep into societal issues, adeptly blending humour with poignant commentary on his experiences as a Muslim celebrity in America, offering a glimpse into his journey as a comedian, activist, and individual.

8m ago

Banality of evil in Jonathan Glazer's brutal masterpiece ‘The Zone of Interest’

Jonathan Glazer's film "The Zone of Interest” has carved a haunting niche in cinematic history, digging deep into the abyss of Nazi Germany's atrocities with chilling resonance. Unveiling the banality of evil and the human capacity for self-justification, Glazer orchestrates a symphony of sound and imagery that leaves an indelible mark on the psyche of viewers.

8m ago

‘Shrinking’: A comedy drama that hits close to home

In the vast landscape of television series, few manage to capture the complexity of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life quite like "Shrinking". With a star-studded cast led by Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, this Apple TV+ comedy drama dives deep into the intricacies of therapy, grief, and redemption, offering viewers a refreshing take on the mid-life crisis narrative.

9m ago
January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023

Compact art: Exploring Wes Anderson’s short films

Wes Anderson unquestionably has one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema, and it turns out that he also has one in the advertising industry. Some of the best commercials of the twenty-first century are the result of the director being courted by businesses like American Express, Prada, Hyundai, and AT&T throughout the years to combine their products with his signature style.

January 22, 2023
January 22, 2023

“Passing on the Tradition”: A tribute to the maestros

The Music Alliance Worldwide Foundation (MAWW) had taken the initiative to give the disciples of the great Masters of Sub-Continental Classical Music, the opportunity to pay tribute to their Gurus and thus embark on a journey called "Passing on the Tradition".  The event took place at the International Mother Language Institute on January 20.

January 20, 2023
January 20, 2023

'White Noise': Noah Baumbach filmed the most unfilmable book

Noah Baumbach's audacious adaptation of a book that was written in the mid-80s, alludes to topics that are still prevalent in our culture today, it also brings together consumerism, conspiracy theories, and collective trauma.

January 6, 2023
January 6, 2023

‘About Elly’: Taraneh Alidoosti and the national uprising in Iran

Persian society had evolved into a cosmopolitan, but as it moved toward being more conservative, film was perceived as being dangerous due to its inclination for sensuality, diversion, fabrication, and corruption. The film in question is ‘About Elly’ (2009), which is full of color, pleasure, and thought. Directed by Asghar Farhadi, it is a film about friendship and frolic, but it also has an emerging framework and a significant force.

January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - Returns with Benoit Blanc

There's no mystery as to why Knives Out deserves a sequel. The suspenseful whodunit's breakthrough at the box office in 2019, gave director Rian Johnson and star Daniel Craig, a good reason to return for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Johnson received a 2020 Oscar nomination for best original screenplay for the first Knives Out, which had the potential to be an eccentric curiosity. It sparked a slight revival in the genre while subtly parodying the traditional whodunit.

December 21, 2022
December 21, 2022

Rising like a phoenix from the ashes

After almost six years, Aurthohin will finally be launching a new album, titled "Phoenix Er Diary-1" in December.

November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022

‘Downton Abbey’, ‘The Crown’ and many more: Period dramas for your watchlist

Keeping in mind the recent rise in popularity of period dramas, we have compiled a list of six period pieces, from both TV and film, for your viewing pleasure.

November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022

11 Years of 'Rockstar': Ranbir Kapoor’s stepping stone to super stardom

Near the end of 2011, “Rockstar” would be released, fundamentally changing how fans perceived Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali’s capabilities as actor and director.

November 4, 2022
November 4, 2022

Remembering Ritwik Ghatak: Indian cinema’s undiscovered maverick

Ritwik Ghatak, who was born in Dhaka on November 4, 1925, began his career as a writer at a very young age. Following the Partition in 1947, Ritwik experienced a lot of restlessness and rootlessness. This troubled him greatly, with him once remarking, “My biggest obstacle is that my feet are not on my own soil. How and where shall I find my own home soil?”

October 16, 2022
October 16, 2022

Rubeus Hagrid: Remembering the gentle giant who stole our hearts

Even with all the magical adventures one character that really stood out for me in "Harry Potter" was the half-giant, half-wizard Hagrid.